MATT Hewer led the way with 119 as Sidmouth 2nd XI took a winning draw from their final league game of the season against Exmouth to secure third place in the 2nd XI Premier Division, behind winners Bovey Tracey and second placed Exeter, writes Fionn Wardrop.

It was a good day for Hewer as he won the toss and elected to bat on what was probably the sunniest Saturday of a soaking season.

Opening the batting, Hewer smashed the first ball of the innings through the covers for four before becoming becalmed on his way to a steady first 50. He then recaptured his timing and scored his next 50 at better than a run a ball to give himself a well deserved century and help his team set a challenging target of 274.

Hewer was assisted along the way by Will Sobczak who made 42 and later by Saj Patidar who finished the season in style, unbeaten on 54.

In reply Exmouth put on 45 for their first wicket before Nick Mansfield separated the opening pair, precipitating a collapse to 71-5 at which point an early finish looked likely.

From here Aaron Conway, who made an unbeaten 62, decided attack was the best form of defence and together with batting partners Donovan Robinson, who made 40, and David Grant, 38, whacked Exmouth past 200 to a respectable closing total of 214-8.

The pick of Sidmouth’s bowlers, as so often this season, was Charlie Dibble who bagged 3-40 from his 15 over spell.

Man of the match Matt Hewer was thanked by his vice captain, Charlie Dibble, and his team mates after the game for stepping in as skipper at short notice before the season and giving masses of his time and energy in doing a very good job. Thanks were also given to Alan Marsh and Di Wadsworth for giving their time and talents as umpire and scorer.